Canberra ACT, 24 March 2016 | David Packman

Arina Rodionova reached the quarterfinals of the ACT Claycourt International #2 on Thursday after rebounding from a one-set deficit to knock out rising teen – and last week’s finalist – Destanee Aiava.

“I played Aiava probably half a year ago here in Canberra. Today was a bit tougher. I didn’t start so well but I managed to find a way to get back into it,” Rodionova said after the 4-6 6-4 6-1 victory.

“I’m moving quite well, and I’m finding ways to get through my matches. So far, so good.”

Seventh-seeded Rodionova is now the sole Australian remaining in the tournament after a tough day at the office for the locals which saw Queensland teen Olivia Tjandramulia ousted by Chinese second seed Lu Jian-Jing after taking the first set and Storm Sanders suffering a similar fate at the hands the No.8 seed from Thailand, Varatchaya Wongteanchai.

In other matches of local interest, Czech Barbora Stefkova had too much for Queensland’s Lizette Cabrera, while experienced campaigner Jessica Moore fell to third seed Ya-Hsuan Lee.

Rodionova will now face Miyu Kato for a place in the semifinals. The pair have never previously met, but Rodionova will have plenty of time to get to know the Japanese No.1 seed as the two will also meet in the doubles final after Rodionova and Ashleigh Barty swept past Hungarian Anna Bondar and Croatian Tena Lukas later in the day.

Kato and Eri Hozumi, the top seeds, ousted local Canberra hopeful Kaitlin Staines and Queenslander Kaylah McPhee to book their place alongside the Aussies, who are looking to make it consecutive titles in Canberra after taking the honours last week.

“I’ve never seen her play, but I’ll definitely see a lot of her on Friday, I’ll be able to write a book,” Rodionova joked.

With more than just tennis on their minds, Rodionova – who married Richmond forward Ty Vickery at the end of last year – and longstanding Tiger fan Barty, were keen to find a venue to watch their beloved team take on Carlton in the AFL’s season opener on Thursday evening.

“We’re pretty pumped,” Rodionova said.

Live scores of all Australian Pro Tour events are available through www.tennis.com.au/protour/scores and for a live stream of selected events visit www.tennis.com.au/protour.